Infiniti ponders more hybrids

Three months before unveiling its first hybrid vehicle, the M35 h, Infiniti already is contemplating other hybrid models.

Ben Poore, vice president of Infiniti, says the M hybrid will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. And Infiniti is studying what other models could use the hybrid power train.

The M represents the first application of a home-grown hybrid system from Nissan. It is a drivetrain that Poore promises will deliver "V-6 power at four-cylinder fuel economy levels." Nissan, Infiniti's mass market sister brand, has been selling hybrid Altimas in some U.S. markets, but those hybrid systems are supplied by Toyota.

Larry Dominque, Nissan North America's vice president of product planning for the Americas, says the M's hybrid system was designed to fit all of Infiniti's rear-wheel-drive models, including the G sedan and coupe and the EX and FX crossovers.